Episode 1 – Can I Still Trust Jesus After Church Hurt? | Mark Matlock

In this first episode of You Asked, Let’s Talk, Bobby McGraw sits down with author and speaker Mark Matlock to talk about spiritual curiosity, church hurt, hypocrisy, and why Jesus is still worth another look. Mark shares how his posture toward faith conversations shifted from quick, combative answers to relational honesty, and he reflects on the difference between believing Christian ideas and actually knowing Jesus.

For anyone who has been wounded by church, disappointed by religious people, or unsure where to take their questions, this conversation offers a gentle reminder: keep your eyes on Jesus.

Key Takeaways

• Spiritual curiosity is not something to fear. It can be a doorway into deeper faith.
• Faith is more than knowing beliefs about Jesus. It is learning to trust and follow Him.
• Jesus spoke truth without humiliating, alienating, or punishing people with His words.
• Church hurt can go deep, affecting our ability to trust both people and God.
• You do not have to have every answer to take one honest next step toward faith.

Chapter Markers

00:00 - Welcome to Mark Matlock

02:39 - Magic, India, and Relational Faith

06:19 - From “God Said It” to Honest Curiosity

09:15 - Believing Ideas vs. Knowing Jesus

11:30 - Killing the Inner Pharisee

15:09 - Why We Cannot Grow Alone

17:31 - What It Means to Trust Jesus

23:17 - The Image of God and the Ache for More

27:15 - When Church People Let You Down

30:17 - Hypocrisy, Humility, and Community

33:00 - Will You Let Me Be Not Okay?

38:15 - Advice for the Spiritually Curious

40:42 - Alpha and Safe Places to Ask Questions

42:25 - The Longing for Something More

43:53 - What Mark Would Say to Someone Hurt by Church

45:32 - Where to Connect with Mark

Links and Mentions

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